Manchester United have identified a midfielder from the Serie A who has impressed so far this season as a potential transfer target.
Over the past few seasons, Manchester United have completed business with Serie A sides on numerous occasions for both incomings and outgoings. Scott McTominay, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are three examples of this trend, with some being more successful than others.
Off the back of his performances during 2025, it would not be far-fetched to think Ruben Amorim may have liked McTominay to be part of his side, and strengthen what has been an inconsistent midfield.
It has been an area of the pitch that has always caused problems for Amorim, and he is yet to find a solution or an individual who provides the Portuguese coach with solid performances week in week out.
It seems unlikely that both Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo will stay for the foreseeable future if they do not pick up more minutes in the Premier League, which would mean reinforcements will definitely have to be brought in by the summer, if not earlier.
It seems INEOS and Amorim are already planning and have set their targets on a midfielder from AS Roma who has impressed so far in the campaign.
United interested in signing Manu Kone
According to CaughtOffside, French midfielder Manu Kone has emerged as one of United’s top targets as Amorim looks to rebuild his midfield. The 24-year-old is a French international and has been on the radar for numerous European clubs.
It is a deal that is likely to take place towards the end of the season, as Roma have already ruled out a January exit, but they are expected to invite clubs to battle for the powerful ball-carrier in the summer for a fee around €60–65 million.
Kone’s technical attributes perfectly match what Amorim looks for in a midfielder, and he seems to be the perfect replacement for the ageing Casemiro, who has been fairly hit or miss throughout the season so far.
With Kone himself reportedly being keen on a move to the Premier League, it is a transfer that is sure to gain momentum leading up to the end of the season, as Newcastle are reportedly keen on securing the midfielder’s signature.
However, Manchester United and Roma could work out a deal that benefits both sides, and it all stems from a player who has mostly been forgotten by Ruben Amorim.
Is Joshua Zirkzee the key to signing Manu Kone?
Joshua Zirkzee is evidently not part of Amorim’s long-term plans for the upcoming seasons, and it has been reported that he has agreed to a move away from Manchester to Roma.
The ex-Bologna star has never really found his feet in England, similar to Evan Ferguson, who did not adapt to life in Italy for Roma, which is why the Italian giants are looking to add more firepower to their side in the form of Zirkzee.
Read More: Manchester United in “serious negotiations” for Ligue 1 star as Joshua Zirkzee replacement
Roma has promised Zirkzee that he will become the cornerstone of their attack, which has obviously attracted United’s out-of-favour attacker, but this deal could play into the hands of the Red Devils who may be able to use Zirkzee as leverage for Kone.
It is a deal where both clubs could help each other to give United the upper hand towards the end of the season in their race to sign the French international, who would no doubt be a major upgrade and step in the right direction for Manchester United.
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